Editorials

Words Of Wisdom

February 16, 2012

Many of you may have seen these 20 rules for youth to live by on social media sites, but as I read them, These were intended as words of guidance from a parent to their child. Even though I'm not a parent, I'd tell any young person nearly everything on the list as well.

Anyhow, here are 20 things to tell youth.

1. Yes, your freshman year counts towards your GPA for college entrance. Screw it up and you'll work for crap wages your whole life.

2. No means NO. In every possible circumstance.

3. Join every sport, every club, every after school activity no matter what the cost. It's cheaper than bail.

4. Repeat after me: I am never in that much of a hurryI am never in that much of a hurry. Now say that every time you get behind the wheel. It will save your life and that of your best friend in the seat next to you.

6. Don't ever get a credit card. Ever. You earn it or you live without it.

7. If I yell at you, it's because I love you. And also, because you ticked me off. To avoid the latter, stop being an idiot.

8. Make a vivid picture inside your head of every great moment of your childhood. You'll need those to get through adulthood.

9. Make snow angels as often as possible.

10. Stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves.

11. Be always benevolent. Yes, that's a word. Look it up.

12. Call me for a ride even if you are so drunk you barely know my number. I'll probably be mad for a while but I'll respect you for calling and I won't kill you. Riding with someone who is drinking will.

13. Be a leader, not a follower. Unless you are doing stupid things, then follow the kid with the highest GPA.

14. Love your siblings, even when you don't like them. Some day you will be trying to get them to take care of me in my old age. If they are mad at you, you are stuck with me.

15. I've been there, done that on more things than you can imagine. I'm not stupid and I know what you are doing. I was once you (times ten).

16. Work hard at everything you do. Anything worth doing is worth doing your best at.

17. Cover it. (Enough said.)

18. When I tell you to clean your room, do not point at my messy room and raise your eyebrows. I'm trying to raise you to be better than me.

19. Learn to type; to budget; and to pray. All are equally important.

20. Never be sedentary. Some day soon you will no longer be able to move like that. Enjoy it.

Some of those rules may seem a little whimsical, others are pretty blunt. I prefer to think of them as being basic, black and white. You know, kinda like the real world.